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What would you call Bristol’s new bridge?
The public have the chance to name the new bridge crossing the Floating Harbour.
The new bridge crossing by Castle Park is due to open in April 2017. The developers of the £2.7 million bridge Cubex have opened the naming process to the public.
The person who gives the winning idea will be invited to the opening ceremony.
Director of Cubex, the suitably named Gavin Bridge said: “We realise that some people are likely to have a bit of fun with this – and with a name like mine I’m sure there will be some humorous suggestions, but we’ve enlisted the help of a panel of judges to make sure the name is right for the bridge and right for Bristol.”
Here’s what happened when we asked some of the great Bristolian public for their suggestions:
Cubex are looking for forward thinking names. Some current suggestions include Curvy Wurvy, Old Brewery Bridge, The Drawbridge, The Gert Bridge and Brunel’s Walk. Bridgey McBridgeface has also been suggested, but Bridge says it’s unlikely to be chosen as the final name as, he says: “While it might be funny for a few minutes, we’re hoping for a name to be proud of.”
The panel will represent a range of local interests, including representatives from Cubex, local politicians, Bristol Civic Society, Bristol Shopping Quarter, Castle Park Users Group and Sustrans. They will pick a shortlist and the public will be asked to make the final call.
“We like to engage with the city and we thought it would be a good idea to hack into the quirkiness of Bristol,” Bridge said.
Finzels Reach previously served as a sugar refinery and a brewery. After almost 100 years of effectively being shut off to the public, the area will now be opened up as part of a thoroughfare from Castle Park to Temple Meads.
The development of Finzel’s Reach will build 440 new homes for the city, a hotel and offices. “By 2019 there will be two and a half thousand people who either live or work there.” He added: “The opening of the bridge will be an exciting milestone for this new quarter and the wider city. It will provide an important link to the city centre for pedestrians and cyclists, not to mention a striking new addition to the cityscape.”
The public is invited to submit their ideas via a form on Finzels Reach’s website by Friday March 17. Suggestions must be through the website rather than on social media, though conversation is encouraged with #nameourbridge.
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